1993 Plymouth Laser problems
The Plymouth Laser is a two-door 2+2 sports coupe sold by Plymouth from 1989 until 1994. The Laser and its siblings, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, were the first vehicles produced under the newly formed Diamond-Star Motors, a joint-venture between the Chrysler Corporation and the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
Overview
Introduced as "the first Plymouth of the '90s" in advertising, the Plymouth Laser debuted in January 1989 as a 1990 model. The company produced a Chrysler Laser model from 1984 to 1986. The 2-door hatchback was based on the Dodge Daytona model prior to the name badge moving, to the Plymouth brand. Commercials for the 1990 Laser featured R&B singer Tina Turner who appeared in a series of 1990 promotional ads for Plymouth. With three available engines, two transmission offerings, and sporty "aero" styling, the Laser was the most performance-oriented Plymouth since the Barracuda, Duster, and Road Runner muscle cars of the 1970s.
Despite its close resemblance to its Mitsubishi and Eagle siblings, it has several unique styling cues intended to set it apart from the other two. Apart from badging, Lasers sport a race-inspired look, with a plastic panel in the place of a grille, a full rear light-bar, a bulge on the hood for 2.0 L engine models (not necessarily turbocharged), and available stylish "lace" patterned alloy wheels. Rallye Sport (RS), models are set apart from the base models by their black roof with body-colored targa band, power steering, lower bodyside accent striping, and dual power mirrors, as well as an array of options not available on base Lasers.
Base model Lasers carry a 92 hp (69 kW) 1.8 L four-cylinder engine, whereas a 135 hp (101 kW), 2.0 L 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder was optional with the Laser RS. The top-of-the-line RS Turbo came equipped with a 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 195 hp (145 kW). A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. A 4-speed automatic was optional, except with the turbocharged engine, which could only be ordered with the manual transmission until 1991 models debuted.
Social links
Common 1993 Plymouth Laser problems
The Plymouth Laser, introduced in 1984, was a compact sports coupe that shared its styling with the Dodge Daytona.
Despite its promising start, the Laser faced several common problems that affected its performance and reliability. One of the most common issues was related to the Engine Control Module (ECM), which is responsible for controlling various engine parameters such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions.
Another common problem with the Plymouth Laser was rust, particularly in areas that were exposed to environmental stressors such as heat, vibration, and moisture.
In addition to ECM and rust issues, the Laser was known for having problems with its turbocharger. The turbocharger could crack, leading to reduced performance and the need for replacement.
Regular maintenance and timely diagnosis were essential to prevent and address issues related to the ECM and associated systems.
In summary, the Plymouth Laser was a unique offering in the Plymouth lineup, but it faced several common problems that affected its performance and reliability. These problems included issues with the ECM, rust, turbocharger, and oxygen sensors. Regular maintenance and timely diagnosis were essential to prevent and address these issues.
How fast is the Plymouth Laser?
Several enthusiast magazines have tested the Laser and have clocked acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds or less. That's fast – brutally fast. Power is, for the most part, smooth and consistent all the way to about 6,500 rpm.
How many Plymouth lasers were made?
Model year changes
| 1990 | 42,105 |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 24,094 |
| 1993 | 14,300 |
| 1994 | 5,284 (production halted mid-year) |
| Total | 115,981 |
How much is a 1994 Plymouth Laser?
$43/Month* *Estimated payments based on Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price of $2,051 at 3.19% APR for 60 months with $0 down for well-qualified buyers.
What engine does a 1990 Plymouth Laser have?
Used 1990 Plymouth Laser - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 92 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
How fast is the Plymouth Laser?
Several enthusiast magazines have tested the Laser and have clocked acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds or less. That's fast – brutally fast. Power is, for the most part, smooth and consistent all the way to about 6,500 rpm.
How many Plymouth lasers were made?
Model year changes
| 1990 | 42,105 |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 24,094 |
| 1993 | 14,300 |
| 1994 | 5,284 (production halted mid-year) |
| Total | 115,981 |
How much is a 1994 Plymouth Laser?
$43/Month* *Estimated payments based on Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price of $2,051 at 3.19% APR for 60 months with $0 down for well-qualified buyers.
What engine does a 1990 Plymouth Laser have?
Used 1990 Plymouth Laser - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 92 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
1993 Plymouth Laser car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Laser problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Plymouth Laser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Plymouth Laser complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Plymouth Laser.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-09
- VIN: 4P3CG44F2PE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 PLYMOUTH LASER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, HE NOTICED OIL ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V069002 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) WAS PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,902. UPDATED 02/26/13* LJ
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-02
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 PLYMOUTH LASER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ALL FOUR OF THE VEHICLE'S WHEELS LOCKED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE, SEAL, AND YOKE FAILED, AND FLUIDS SLOWLY LEAKED FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THIS FAILURE CAUSED THE TRANSFER CASE TO LOCK. THE CONTACT ROCKED THE VEHICLE BACK AND FORTH, PUT TRANSMISSION FLUID IN THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THERE WAS SAFETY RECALL # 98V069002 CONCERNING POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PERTAINING TO THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED, BUT WOULD REPAIR IT AGAIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 96,500, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,002.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-24
- VIN: 4P3CG44F3PE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD THUMPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND A TOW TRUCK WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ALL FLUID HAD LEAKED FROM TRANSFER CASE. THE MECHANIC ALSO FOUND A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, HOWEVER THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE RECALL WILL NOT COVER THIS REPAIR SINCE THE RECALL WORK HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED. AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4P3CG44F6PE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON DRY PAVEMENT THE ABS BRAKES ENGAGED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD AND PULSATED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON AN ICY SURFACE. EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURRED WHICH RESULTED IN TWO CRASHES. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE JUMPED OVER A CEMENT PARKING BLOCK AND RAN INTO A BRICK BUILDING. THE CONSUMER REMOVED THE ABS FUSE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED. *AK *NM
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2P4GH45R6P1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT INFLATE, WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO CONSUMER. *JB THE AIR BAG WAS PARTIALLY OUT WITHOUT INFLATING AND CAUSED STEERING WHEEL INJURIES. ALSO THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD. SCC
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-15
- VIN: 4P3CF44EOPE
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT IN AN ACCIDENT AND REPLACEMENT PART THAT MEETS MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION COULD NOT BE FOUND, OWNER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL AXLES THAT DO NOT MEET THE MANUFACTURERS STANDARDS. YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: 4P3CF44E2PE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR KEPT STALLING EVERY TIME I TRIED TO TURN IT ON. IT WOULD NOT IDLE, BUT WOULD RUN IF YOU CONTINUALLY GAVE IT GAS. THE REPAIR SHOP SAID THAT THEY CLEANED THE STARTER PLATE, WHICH HELPED FOR A DAY, BUT THE CAR HAS STARTED DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. IT IS WORST WHEN PUT INTO REVERSE. THE CAR HAS ALSO STARTED TICKING SINCE THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED, BUT THE CAR CAR HAS HAD ALL NEW BELTS AND A NEW TENSIONER FOR THE TIMING BELT PUT INTO IT, PLUS THE EXHAUST HAS BEEN CHECKED AN NO LEAKS HAVE BEEN FOUND. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-15
- VIN: 4P3CF34B7PE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING TRANSFER CASE LOCKS UP DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. ALSO, WILL HAVE TO TIGHTEN TRANSMISSION BOLT EVERY TWO OR THREE DAYS. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-22
- VIN: 4P3CF44E5PE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: COMPLAINED ABOUT TRANSMISSION BEHAVIOR (SLIPPING INTO GEAR, NOT ENGAGING IMMEDIATELY WHEN PUT IN GEAR), WHEN I HAD FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. AT 5204 MILEAGE, I RETURNEDTO THE DEALER ,AND HAD TRANSMISSION EXAMINED (I HAVE THE REPAIR ORDER), AND WAS TOLD ALL THE NEW TRANSMISSIONS BEHAVED THIS WAY. IT WAS VERY IRRITATING AND THE PROBLEM PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. HOWEVER, THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT TOTALLY STOP FUNCTIONING UNTIL ON MY WAY TO WORK 7/22/98 AT MILEAGE 67927. I CONTACTED ANOTHER CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP IN THE AREA (SINCE THE ONE I PURCHASED FROM HAD CLOSED), AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE I WAS OVER THE 60000 MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION CUSTOMER SUPPORT, AND WAS ALSO TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. HOWEVER, THEY OFFERED ME $131.00 FOR HAVING MY CAR REPAINTED DO TO THE DETERIORATING PAINT CONDITIONS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THIS CAR (ANOTHER VERY LONG STORY AND BATTLE). SINCE I COULD NOT GET ANY HELP AT THE DEALERSHIP, I TOOK THE CAR TO HONEYCUTT TRANSMISSION & AUTO REPAIR, 2734 S. WILMINGTON STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27603 (919) 834-0588 WHERE THEY MADE ADJUSTMENTS AND GOT ME RUNNING AGAIN. THREE MONTHS LATER, I EXPERIENCED ANOTHER TOTAL FAILURE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED AGAIN TO HONEYCUTT. THIS TIME THEY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $1,686.06. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT NEED REPLACING AT OVER $3,000.00. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-07
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY CAR BROKE DOWN ON THE WAY TO WORK. I HAD IT TOWED TO BOB CROW CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH IN ROSWELL, NM. THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. BOB CROW DID NOT TOUCH THE CAR FOR A WEEK. WHEN WE CALLED THEY TOLD US WE HAD NOT PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THEM AND IT WOULD SIT UNTIL THEY WERE READY TO DO THE WORK. A MECHANIC CHALLENGED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THEY FIRED HIM. THE OWNER, BOB CROW, SWORE AT US, TOLD US TO TAKE OUR F,,, CAR AND GET IT OUT OF THERE. WE FINALLY CONTACTED CHRYSLER CORP. THEY SAID, YES, TIMING CHAINS CAN TAKE A WHILE TO FIX, SINCE THERE WERE OTHER DAMAGES TO THE CAR. I AM REPORTING THAT BOB CROW CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH IN ROSWELL, NM, HAS HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS. MOST PEOPLE JUST GO AWAY AND DO BUSINESS ELSEWHERE. UNFORTUNATELY, I PURCHASED MY CAR BEFORE MOVING HERE; I CANNOT CHANGE THAT. I THOUGHT I HAD THE RIGHT TO REASONABLY PROMPT SERVICE. I DID NOT THINK I WOULD BE VERBALLY ABUSED AND PUNISHED FOR NOT BUYING A CAR FROM THIS DEALERSHIP.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4P3CF34B0PE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SMMARY
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4P3CF441PE0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER LAP BELT DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETRACT AFTER BEING FULLY EXTENDED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-01
- VIN: JP3CA31A6PU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-01
- VIN: 4P3CF44E2P2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE CONTINUOUSLY STALLS, REPAIRS MADE HOWEVER PROBLEM CONTINUES.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-01
- VIN: 4P3CF44E2P2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-26
- VIN: 4P3CF44EXPE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE HATCHBACK WILL NOT STAY IN THE OPEN POSITION, IT COMES DOWN SLOWLY. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE HATCH BACK SUPPORTS ARE DEFECTIVE.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVER'S FRONT AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DRIVING 45-50MPH, MADE ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, TOUCHED BRAKE PEDAL LIGHTLY, SUDDENLY VEHICLE WENT INTO A SPIN 360 DEGREES FOUR TO FIVE TIMES. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-06
- VIN: 1P3XP64KXPN
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE ACCELERATES BY ITSELF. TT
1993 Plymouth Laser recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Plymouth Laser.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. LOCKUP OF THE TRANSFER CASE CAN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSFER CASE OIL VOLUME, TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AND OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE MECHANISM. IF OIL VOLUME IS INSUFFICIENT, THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF OIL WILL BE ADDED. IF THERE IS TRANSFER CASE OIL LEAKAGE, AFFECTED COMPONENTS WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE TRANSFER CASE SHOWS OPERATIONAL DEGRADATION, THE TRANSFER CASE WILL BE REPLACED.
Negative 1993 Plymouth Laser car reviews
Positive 1993 Plymouth Laser car reviews
-
I really love my Laser! I initially bought it for the Mitsubishi 4g63 motor under the hood, but I ended up falling in love with the car itself. It's so responsive and handles great. Plus, it has a lot of potential as a tuner car. It's practically turbo-ready, as all 4g63 motors are. The car looks sleek and the front seat is really comfortable. I originally thought I was just getting a cheap replacement for my now-dead 1990 Eclipse, but I ended up with a car that's 10 times better!
-
Excellent car! It's had very few repairs over the years and the paint is still in great shape. Plus, it's still on the original clutch! With regular maintenance and reasonable driving, I hope to get to 200,000 miles!
-
I bought this car with a broken turn lens for 500. I have spent about 1200 on replacing all wear items. It was definitely worth it! This car is a blast to drive, looks great, gets good gas mileage, and is very reliable. It also has a lot of potential for tuning, which is really exciting. Unfortunately, it has 173,000 miles on it, so it's not worth the money to upgrade. I don't understand why the book value is so low, because it's a fantastic little car. I wish I had bought it new for 14,000, because it would definitely be on the cover of a tuner mag! Overall, it's been a great and dependable mode of transportation!
-
I bought it used at an auction with 118,000 miles on it for $3,500 and have had it for 4 years. It now has 218,000 miles on the car!!! I absolutely love it!
-
I've owned my car for about a year and a half and haven't had a single problem with it. I've also added a few small modifications to it that have put it up to par with your average muscle car (i.e. Mustang). If you're looking for a car that's reliable and gets good gas mileage, but can move when you put the pedal to the metal, this is the one.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Plymouth Laser problems:
Q&A: 1993 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo Problems
Apr 29, 2008 ... First thing to check out is the coolant temp sensor. If it is malfunctioning, the computer will think the engine is warm, when it is actually ...
1993 Laser has no Spark, won't start. | DSMTalk Forums: Mitsubishi ...
Feb 7, 2006 ... 1993 Laser has no Spark, won't start. ... Are there any common problems related to spark I should check for? ... 90 plymouth laser 1.8 90 mitz ...
420a common problems | DSMtuners.com
Aug 22, 2021 ... The Top DSM Community on the Web. For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. Log in to remove most ...
F4A22 tranny issues - GalantVR4.org
Apr 20, 2010 ... Move it if need be. So I had a pretty crappy weekend revolving around my 1993 Plymouth Laser RS (N/A w/ auto). Drove it to a show ...
Other years of Plymouth Laser
Are you having problems with your 1993 Plymouth Laser?
Alexis Kiehn 2024-10-04
The vehicle frequently experiences breakdowns, requiring frequent repairs which can be quite inconvenient.
Guiseppe Emmerich 2024-08-26
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share a little story with you about my trusty car. Back in my sophomore year of college, I stumbled upon this amazing car that was both cool and affordable (I paid less than $4,800 in cash for it!). It's been such a great car for me, especially when it comes to gas mileage in the city. I've put a lot of miles on it in a short amount of time, but it's held up really well. The only downside is that it doesn't have cruise control, but that's a minor issue. The paint on the roof is starting to fade, but overall it still looks super. I'm actually in the market for a new car now, but it will be tough to say goodbye to my reliable little blue Laser! Thanks for listening to my story.
Rickey Quitzon 2024-03-02
I bought my 'laser' a few months ago for a 'dirt cheap' price. Why? Because I couldn't get my Saturn past inspection for emissions. I am beyond happy with the quality of this 'dollar' car thus far ($550). I took it on a 1,000 mile road-trip a few weeks ago, mostly to see if it was up to the task. It was and is. Over that trip, I averaged 37 mpg with a 1.8 liter engine and 4-speed auto overdrive transmission. The car ran flawlessly, solid with no rattles, and handled very well.
Julien Hane 2024-02-26
The head had to be redone twice due to bent valves caused by the timing being out. The second time, the harmonic balancer split in half, throwing the timing off and resulting in no compression on cylinder 4. Despite the body being in perfect condition, it seems that this particular motor is cursed. It may be time to consider other options.